KATE NEWTON
Shelley Reid jigged her way to success last weekend, winning all the open titles at the Waipu Highland Games. The Hastings dancer hadn't expected any glory but found herself lugging home two huge trophies, leaving four with her name on them in the Northland museum and stuffing a
new collection of ribbons in her suitcase.
The new Northland Centre Champion for the open section took out the Highland Reel, Highland Fling, Seann Triubhais, Sailors Hornpipe and the Double Time Irish Jig titles. She was also crowned the North Island champion for the Single Time Irish Jig.
"I didn't expect it at all," Shelley said. "I don't get up there much so the competition is always different." Perfect pleats and straight socks also earned Shelley the Studio Cup for the best-dressed dancer.
Ranked third in New Zealand, the soon to be 20-year-old has never considered giving up Highland dancing.
"As long as my legs work I will be dancing," Shelley said. Studying chemistry at Massey University hasn't put her passion on hold.
In fact, her studies have been made to fit around dancing. Palmerston North was the obvious choice because she would have a chance to dance under one of New Zealand's best teachers, Sherilyn Hall.
However, because of university holidays Shelley wasn't able to have lessons with her teacher leading up to the weekend's games.
A qualified dancer and judge, Shelley is hoping to follow in her mum's footsteps and teach dancing once she finishes her degree.
It's no wonder Shelley is so dedicated to dance. Highland was ingrained in her before birth. Her mother Gaye Reid was still dancing when she was nine months pregnant with Shelley.
When only three, Shelley started having lessons. "It's what I've always done. It keeps me fit and I've made a lot of friends through it," Shelley said.
Her favourite dance - the Highland Fling made her a New Zealand champ when she was 12.
"It's always been her dance," Gaye said.
There is no rest for the wicked with training for the next big competition - the Hawke's Bay Highland Games at Easter - starting this week.
